Charlie’s Sandwich Shoppe has survived decades of transformation in Boston’s South End since it opened in 1927. Above the restaurant, 429 Columbus Avenue has been home to Local 535, the nation’s top black musicians union, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters union, and to the people who own and work in the ground-floor eatery. Started by Charlie Poulus, an immigrant of Greek decent, it was later taken over by Christi Manjourides, an immigrant from Turkey who started at Charlie’s as a line cook in its opening year. Today, Manjourides’ sons Arthur and Chris are the proud owners. His daughters Fontaine and Marie work there alongside their brothers every day.

A photo of a photo on the wall inside Charlie’s. Image depicts Charlie’s in the early years.

Barack Obama is the latest public figure to be spotted catching a meal at Charlie’s. Sammy Davis Jr., Natalie Cole, Duke Ellington and LL Cool J are just a few of the numerous celebrities who have appreciated Charlie’s quality diner fare. They come to partake in the congenial atmosphere that makes this building a unique and cherished place in the hearts of the many customers who have had the pleasure of stopping in throughout the generations.